Andrew ODellExams, homework and long lines at the Subway in Mallinckrodt are considered by some students to be among the most frustrating aspects of life at Washington University. Bon Appetit and food services are hoping to eliminate at least one of these problems, along with a variety of others, when they initiate several changes to food services for this coming academic year.
Some of the more significant changes are the renovation of Bear’s Den and the move of Subway from the Mallinckrodt food court to the Rat (next door to Mallinckrodt in Umrath Hall), both of which are taking place this summer.
Assistant Vice Chancellor of Students and Director of Operations Steve Hoffner explained the Subway move.
“In Mallinckrodt, one of the problems, particularly in the noon hours, is crowding and perceived slow service,” said Hoffner. “We will be moving Subway out of the food court and into the space where The Rat is currently. Based on our sales information, the Rat is dead.”
According to Hoffner, major changes are also taking place in Bear’s Den. The space is currently being renovated and merged with Ike’s Place.
“There will be a new environment with new furnishings and new lighting,” said Hoffner. “We will be rearranging things to lessen the crowding we have noticed. Seating will be a combination of tables with chairs and booths and we will be adding Internet access and keeping the television.”
In addition to these aesthetic changes, menu changes will also occur, including the addition of a brick oven for pizza. The grill will also be expanded, and the salad bar and pasta station will remain.
Hoffner said that many of these changes are a result of direct communication with Student Union, faculty, staff and members of the student body.
“A lot of these ideas come out of reports we have done early in the semester and focus groups,” said Hoffner. “The reports give a direction on how we are doing and what we should be doing differently. We have discussed these [changes] with the food committee chairs, members of SU and the SU president.”
Pamela Bookbinder is chair of the food committee for Student Union.
“When it comes to the food on campus, I really think that it is the small things that count,” said Bookbinder. “Among the changes initiated by the food committee are the extended hours of the pasta bar at Bear’s Den and the inclusion of paninis on the menu at Ursa’s.”
According to Bookbinder, in addition to these changes, the SU food committee is currently working with a resolution that will allow freshmen to purchase the basic meal plan and will encourage the visible pricing of items in Bear Mart.